The document discusses the three main types of computer networks: LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), and MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), explaining their coverage, uses, and components. LANs are commonly used for small areas, allowing resource sharing within an office; WANs cover large distances, interconnecting multiple LANs, while MANs serve city-sized areas connecting various LANs. Key components of networks include the NIC (Network Interface Card), bridges, routers, and gateways, each serving specific functions in data transmission and network management.

1. Types of
network
&
Network
Components
LAN WAN and MAN

2. Types of Computer Networks
Computer networks are categorized according to:
 How they are organized physically.
 The way they are used
 The distance over which they operate
Here we are going to discuss computer networks categorized
according to the way they are used and the distance they
cover
1. LAN (local area network)
2. WAN (wide area network)
3. MAN (Metropolitan area network)

3. LAN
 LAN stands for Local
Area Network.
 most common type of
network.
 covers a small area,
usually within one office
or a building.
 LAN is used to share
resources like printers,
hard disks, and
programs.

4. LAN Speed
 LAN can transmit data at a very high speed,
typically from 10 Mbps to 1000 Mbps.
 Much faster than data transmission over a telephone
line.
 Transmits data within a limited distance and has a
limit on the number of connected computers.
Example The network in a computer lab of a college is
an example of a local area network.

5. Uses and Advantages of LAN
- One copy of software can be shared by all users in a LAN.
- System resources like printers and hard disks can be
shared between users in LAN.
- Easy to manage data stored on a centralized computer in
LAN.
- Data is more secure from being copied or destroyed.
- Data can be shared by all users using LAN.

6. Components
of a Network
Communication Media
NIC( network interface card)
Bridge
Router
Gateway
Different components of a network include

7. Communication Media
Path through which data is transferred from
one computer to another.
 Wired
Low-cost LANs: twisted wire pair.
Expensive LANs: coaxial or fiber-optic
cables.
 wireless
Wireless networks: infrared or radio waves.
Wireless networks are easy to setup and
maintain but have low transmission rates.

8. NIC
 NIC stands for Network
Interface Card.
 Also known as LAN
adapter.
 Connects a computer to
a network.
 Installed on the
motherboard.
 Most systems have
built-in NIC.

9. Bridge
 Used to interconnect two LANs
and separate network
segments.
 Determines the segment for
signal transmission.
 Reads addresses of sending
and receiving computers.
 Does not pass signal if both
computers are in the same
segment.
 Reduces network traffic and
increases performance.

10. Router
 Connects multiple networks
using similar or different
protocols.
 Manages the best route between
communication networks.
 Can be used on a network of any
size.
 Connects networks of different
countries.
 Uses algorithms to find the best
path to transfer data.

11. Gateway
 Connects two or more networks with different types
of protocols.
 Converts data according to the protocol of each
network.
 Necessary for LANs to access the Internet.

12. WAN
WAN stands for Wide Area Network.
Covers a large area, connects computers and devices in
different cities and countries.
Consists of several LANs connected together.
Connected through telephone lines, leased lines, or
satellites.
Transmission rate: 56Kbps to 50Mbps.
Expensive, not as fast as LAN.
Internet is the largest WAN in the world.

13. Mainframe and
Minicomputers in WAN
Designed to be accessed by terminals.
Personal computer must appear as a
terminal to communicate with larger
computers.
Terminal emulation software allows a
personal computer to appear as a
terminal.

14. Host
Computer
Larger computer known as host
computer.
Personal computer attached to
host can upload and download
data.
Uploading: Transfer of data
from personal computer to host.
Downloading: Transfer of data
from host computer to personal
computer.
File transfer software used for
upload and download.

15. Examples of
WAN
Network connecting ATMs
of a bank in different cities.
Network connecting
NADRA offices in
different cities of Pakistan.
Internet connects millions
of users worldwide to
share information.

16. MAN
MAN stands for Metropolitan Area Network.
Covers an area of a city.
Larger than LAN but smaller than WAN.
Connects two or more LANs in a city or town.

18. Examples of
MAN
Network connecting
different branches of a
company in the same
city.
Network connecting
different campuses of a
college in a city.
Cable TV network in a
city.

19. Advantages of MAN
Covers a larger area than LAN.
Provides higher data speed than LAN.
Disadvantages of MAN
More expensive than LAN.
Difficult to maintain compared to LAN.